Zombie Musings -- Blogger Virtual Zombie Walk 2012

My husband is obsessed with zombies. Gravely, almost humourlessly obsessed. After years of listening to his theories and watching those creepy films he has managed to convince me that there will indeed be a "Zombie Apocalypse" (ZA for short, k?) Of course now that he's got me convinced, I'm having crazy zombie killing dreams (I'm always some kind of sharp shooting mercenary, WTF? And I have access to any weapon which I of course master within seconds. No clue how as I've never weilded any weapon!) and have even started my survival lists as I start thinking "well, you never know...". Yes, I have ZA survival lists (doesn't everyone?) Everything from escape routes, where we'll have to meet (already decided my car of choice is my Mini -- when those idiots who can't drive SUV's block all traffic; hence zombie fodder -- and I honestly can't say I'd be upset -- I have only to drive on the sidewalk or lawns to get by, ha!) to what we would have to stock up on in advance, what to loot from the local pharmacies, supermarkets, hardware stores, to zombie killing weapons, zombie proofing the house, or taking possession of an already zombie proof house, and more as I think of other things we'd need to survive. (Heading to the river, raiding the yacht club and absconding with a yacht sounds like a good plan too -- zombies are dead and should essentially float not walk along the bottom like that stupid film we saw not too long ago.)

But my most important question is more philosophical and pragmatic. Here goes...

Why is it when discussing the imminent ZA, does every single person you speak with think they will survive? (We will survive as we're prepared, and I have my theories about why, so nah-nah!)

Speculatively, I'm very interested to comprehend why no one thinks they would be infected and they'll live to survive and fight off the zombies. This question appears to me to be utterly unsubstantiated.

Someone has to be patient zero in order for the virus to spread and consequentially become pandemic. The most viable answer is that it would spread, fairly quickly depending on the type of virus it will be. Its preposterous to think that if everyone assumes they won't be the one to get infected, then there wouldn't/ couldn't be any zombies, correct? No zombies, no ZA. But we know there will indeed be a ZA (right? c'mon save me someone!) so someone has to get infected. It will start with at least one person; patient zero.

~Magickal Graphics~ http://magickalgraphics.com/zombie4.htm

Now we have both the rhetorical and pragmatic question which is; who will patient zero be? (I have loads of people I hope it is just so I can justify whacking their bigoted, intolerant, ignorant heads off.) I have theories on that as well. (See how this obsession has seized my naturally logical and methodical thought processes? Yes I really do have both in spite of the presumed foolhardiness and unexpected turns my life has taken and continues to take very much on purpose. Serendipity rules!)

In all likelihood, it most probably would be determined to be a virus. As such, it I would figure its going to hit those who are weakest health-wise. The ill, terminal, elderly, perhaps even the very young having not developed all their immunities. Also health care workers, and those immune-suppressed. Think along the lines of what happened with West Nile Virus or SARS. To me, this is vitally important, as the sick, elderly, and very young will be infected first. Within the realms of possibility, unfortunately these would be the people that would be fairly easy to destroy in order for the virus to not continue to spread (assuming that there isn't a cure, which there never seems to be.) To put it brutally but precisely; these would be the people that would be rather easy to take out if they're already in such poor health, right? (Oh please agree, I'm tired of being a zombie killing mercenary in my dreams.) I know, huge holes in that theory. If its a virus, I doubt it will be airborne, I think it will be blood borne. Like in "28 Days Later" (omg, why do I watch these things?)

~Magickal Graphics~ http://magickalgraphics.com/zombie4.htm

Which brings us to the next hypothesis (mine at least.) If this is a blood borne virus, you'll still have a patient zero. Repeating what I said previously, it has to start somewhere, then spread. Now we have another problem, the question of who will that patient zero be? I'm guessing someone in the medical field, messing with blood samples will stumble upon something accidentally. Perhaps not even a medical professional but a health-care worker not disposing of hazardous medical waste properly. Most medical testing facilities do have at the very least some security, and I'm sure the government super secret ones have mega-security so you would hope that could contain the virus. Right? Right? But if one infected person gets out, we're screwed. We also have the problem of someone not realising they're infected, going home, out in public and spreading it unknowingly. (See the film "Contagion" for a good idea of how this could absolutely happen. Again, why do I watch these things?) So there you have your patient zero, which could indeed be YOU!

I have no holes for that theory. Nope not one I can think of. Consequentially this is why I've been convinced a ZA is imminent. So lets face it guys, we're all going to have to prepare for the coming ZA and if you're smart, you best start now! (And stay away from hospitals or medical testing facilities!)

I do fervently believe that people are our worst enemies during a disaster. Think back to any blackout we've had in NY and the first thing people do is loot. Sadly during any disaster of great proportions it will be difficult to decide who is enemy and who is foe. Again being prepared will help greatly. (Personally, unless I know you like family, I'm not taking chances. Off with your head.)

There is hope. I also believe that once we've gone through the initial outbreak, we will have learned what a zombie looks like, how to deal with them, and things will start to go back to normal after a few weeks.

One important thing to note is that firearms will be abundant. This is good and bad. Good as you'll have protection from becoming a brain-eating zombie, but bad if you mistake a regular person as a zombie and kill unnecessarily (see "Zombieland", poor Bill Murray!) I do believe -- with sadness -- that since there are so many firearms in NY, most everyone will be armed. A precaution would be to at least learn by going to a legitimate shooting range and becoming familiar with firearms since you may very well have to use one (even in the event of any disaster.) I don't believe in having guns. I think the only reason to have a gun is to use it. But my thinking is changing due to the unpredictability of humans as evidenced in previous disasters. Who knows, I may just decide to be one of those people training in the use of firearms; best to be safe than sorry... I suppose. My family is first and should I need to protect them I will, in whatever way I can. (Note to self: learn martial art... one that doesn't break old bones.) Not sure I'm at that point, though I can legally own a gun I'm terrified of one in the house especially with a teen, and more importantly afraid a friend of theirs may get it in their head to "play", so a locked gun cabinet is a must, and something I suggest for anyone owning a firearm. (I grew up knowing exactly where my fathers rifles were -- still are -- unlocked I might add, and was thankfully terrified of them; will not allow my kid to grow knowing those things.) I suggest that for anyone considering this, its not an option -- a necessity; why tempt fate? Too many gun related deaths and I refuse to contribute to that statistic.

Just to be on the safe side, I've got zombie decimating handled too. (;

ZA aside, it actually does make sense to prepare a disaster plan. There have been plenty of disasters where people panic and its bedlam. As mentioned above I legitimately do believe in most disaster situations it will be people you really have to be on tenterhooks about. Having a disaster plan helps to keep you calm, know what you need to do, where you need to go, how to get in touch with loved ones, etc., all in the face of something I hope we never have to face in our or our children's lives.

To make this a fashion/ lifestyle/ vintage post I'd like to leave you with the latest in Zombie Survival Chic. Please, if you're sensitive about wearing animal based product, cut to the end.

For survival chic, think leather. Leather jackets, and trousers. Sturdy leather work boots, engineer or motorcycle boots, steel toes. Leather is hard to ruin, a main reason that its used by motorcyclists. It will survive road rash with minimal damage. Of course leather in the heat isn't going to be very comfortable, but you can find lightweight leather as an alternative (or just be like me & get used to wearing it year round!) The main thing is to keep yourself covered in some way so it would be harder for a zombie to get at you and infect you.

Invest in a Schott Perfecto now, not only look great but it gets better with age and never goes out of style!

Denim is another hard worker (not fashion denim you need the old fashioned, vintage workhorses like heavy cotton Levi's) and the jackets are pretty indestructible, difficult to rip and keep you safe.

Mainly when it comes to clothing, chic really has to go out the window and utility is most important. No reason army-navy supply shops can't provide you with clothing you can make your own with the addition of accessories. Just make sure they aren't accessories that can't be easily grabbed (like long hanging scarves.) I can think of one good accessory that is both chic and utilitarian: heavy rings. You could slash pretty good with a nice heavy ring, and at least it would buy you some time while still being able to show your individuality with your chic look. Don't forget those bullet belts! Very chic either as a belt or slung like a cross body bag. Of course also handy dandy when filled with ammo.

There is also something to be said for layering. If a zombie has you by a jacket, just take it off!

One important thing to remember if you live in a clime that can get brutally cold is that fur and wool are you're best friends when there is little to no heat! Hit those thrift stores for all you'll need.  I don't advocate buying new fur products when there is an abundance in thrift shops.)

With so many things to consider during the coming ZA, I seriously doubt you're going to be thinking about how chic you look. I know I'll be too worried about protecting myself and family from getting eaten!

Now go on the "Virtual Blogger Walk" and see what others have to say about zombies! Just "walk" through each link below.

XXX

PS Does anyone know where I can buy a tank and a helicopter? (I can drive -- and probably fly -- anything. I've driven just about any vehicle you can think of, so how hard could it be?)

Zombies Everywhere
[Retro-Zombie] 
Halloween Blues
The Southern Northerner 
Martha's Journey 
Annie Walls 
GingerRead Review
App'y Talk 
Kweeny Todd 
Jenny's House of Horrors
Bubba's Place 
Fictional Candy 
herding cats & burning soup 
Author Sherry Soule Blog 
Paranormal research Group Blog
Adult Urban Fantasy by Sherry Soule 
Moonlight Publishing Blog
Candid Canine
Ghost Hunting Theories 
Above the Norm 
A Dust Bunny In The Wind 
Faith McKay
Zombob's Zombie News & Movie Reviews
Flesh From The Morgue
The Living Dark
Some One Else's Cook
Stumptown Horror
Forget About TV, Grab a Book
Zombie Dating Guide
Strange State
The Paranormalist - Renae Rude
Idée Fixe
Random Game Crafts
WhiteRoseBud's Tumblr
Gnostalgia
Book Me!
Carmen Jenner Author
Sarasota Zombie Pub Crawl
Not Now...Mommy's Reading
Love is a Many Flavored Thing
Its On Random
Ellie Potts
Attention Earthlings!
Horror Shock LoliPOP
The Spooky Vegan 
The Story In...
DarkSide Detectives Blog
Something wicKED this way comes....
Julie Jansen: science fiction and horror writer
Author/screenwriter James Schannep
The Zombie Lab
Creepy Glowbugg
Pickleope
Sharing Links and Wisdom
Midnyte Reader
This Blog Has A.D.D.
Carol's Creations